Thailand Delivers Sandalwood for Royal Cremation Ceremony

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has handed over fragrant sandalwood from Khao Yai National Park to the Ministry of Culture for crafting a coffin and burial chest for the royal cremation ceremony of Princess Patcharakitiyabha. On September 14, 2026, Natural Resources Minister Suchat Chomklin presided over the handover ceremony to Culture Minister Sabida Thai-sed at the Fine Arts Department's workshop in Nakhon Pathom province.

The ceremony was attended by Arthapol Jareenchangsa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation; Phanombuttr Chantrachote, director-general of the Fine Arts Department; Arocha Nanthamontri, Nakhon Pathom governor; and Nitthat Nunsong, director of Conservation Area Management Zone 3 (Phetchaburi branch), among other officials.

Minister Suchat expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to provide sandalwood for this sacred royal ceremony. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation conducted surveys and selected naturally fallen sandalwood from Khao Yai National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with a blessing ceremony performed according to ancient royal traditions on August 20, 2025.

The processed sandalwood includes 370 logs and 1,350 boards with a total volume of 16.0439 cubic meters. The wood is of premium quality with fine grain and fragrant aroma, cut and processed with meticulous care following traditional protocols, with support from multiple government and private sectors.

Culture Minister Sabida Thai-sed accepted the sandalwood and thanked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and related agencies for their careful stewardship. The Fine Arts Department's workshop will now craft the royal coffin and burial chest with utmost precision and dignity. Specialist craftspeople will work meticulously on this project while preserving traditional Thai craftsmanship and documenting the knowledge involved.